The Last Catholic in America

This is a great book about my old neighborhood in the southwest side of Chicago in Mr. Greenwood. I knew many of the people that John Powers talked about, and can assure you that he brings them to life. Powers talks about the two religions, the Catholics and the Publics. I was a Public. We were a distinct minority, and had to spend many days in school while I Catholic friends were off, yelling "sucker" through the school window. We did own the sidewalks, however. I strongly recommend this fine book.

i had nuns,irish christian bros. & jesuit training.this book touches the funny bone (in retrospect ) of any one who had any of the above as their educator. the author tells it like it really was without bitterness or rancor. "filthy"findor covers his dirty pictures by putting them in a white envelope in his wallet with a note on the envelope which says " george i found these in the geography book you loaned me ". i had a copy & loaned it out.i want another one never to loan it !! bob

Does anyone know where a copy of this paperback may be found? Doesn't matter how dog-eared, as we would love to read it again and then share with friends whose appetites have been whet. Thanx, shadow 1

I thought I was the only one who found humor in my Catholic upbringing until I read this book! This is a must read for all denominations, but "us" Catholics are the only true ones who can appreciate it! Powers does an excellent job at taking the reader into his world of guilt, and religion.

John R. Powers takes you back to the first 8 years of life in a Catholic grammar school in the 1950's and early 1960's. Remember when all your teachers were nuns? Remember getting beaned on the head by a crucifix swung from the belted waist of a nun that walked up and down the classroom isle while you were doing your work? Remember counting your " sins " on the fingers of either hand and trying to remember which hand held which " sins " while you were in line to go to Confession? Clickers? Purgatory? Pagan Babies? Well, this is the book for you. I am sorry to hear it is currently out of print as I have purchased many copies over the years and given them as gifts to many people who have thoroughly enjoyed this book!